For the past three decades, Thailand has been at or near the top of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies. The boom, however, has barely touched the rural Northeast, the North, nor the slums of the capital city, Bangkok.

Many an important decision -- a fresh start with a new business venture, a new friendship sparked -- has been made over a good meal. It may seem like a small thing, but a good meal can do wonders for our hunger, and for our outlook on life.

Mozambique has seen a modest pick-up in economic growth over the past two decades, but it remains the poorest and least developed country in southern Africa, both in human rights and gender development terms.